News - Boonika steals the Moldovan show | Eurovision Song Contest News - 2009 Moscow, Russia 

Two days later than scheduled, the Moldovan representatives Zdob si Zdub arrived in Kyiv. As a result, the Moldovan band has to be satisfied with one rehearsal only. Highlight of the Moldovan show: Boonika beating the drums!

The first Moldovan entry is entitled Boonika bate toba, or Grandma beats the drums. It was the biggest question mark until today, but now the answer has been revealed: Grandma will beat the drums during the Moldovan act at the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest semifinal, and how... 60 year-old Grandma has become a star in Zdob si Zdub's home country Moldova, the band says. The Eurovision Song Contest however seems to be new for the woman, as in her village people don't really watch television. The band is participating with a song that isn't exactly in a style that's common at the Eurovision Song Contest. Breaking the pop traditions Zdob si Zdub is thinking that they have brought something totally new to the Eurovision Song Contest. One question however remains. Will Moldova be capable to host the contest if it wins at its first participation? "We don't want to make any comment on next year," says Zdob si Zdub. "We don't like to make forecasts."